We can all agree that reality TV occupies a place at the extreme shallow end of TV programming, but some are good programs to watch when there are no better options. Hell the viewership numbers bear that out.

So, what makes a good reality show?

To me, there are two types of good reality shows.

One is the absolute train wreck, guilty pleasure type like Teen Whores.

Two is the one I would rather watch. The reality show where people are doing something. To me, those only work if I honestly believe that if the cameras weren't there and the there was no TV show, the guys would be doing the exact same thing. Two examples of this type of show would be Fast N Loud and Deadliest Catch. Gold Rush and other shows like that fail for me because I'm not sure those guys would be mining without the show.

re: What Makes a Good Reality Show?Posted by SlimCharles140 on 8/28/13 at 11:46 pm to TFTC

Why do all reality shows have to include strangers? Why not have Survivor with the full staff of a high end restaurant? Everybody already knows each other and clicks are there from day 1 instead of the 3rd week.